Complications

Nasal polyps can cause complications because they block normal airflow and fluid drainage, and also because of the chronic inflammation underlying their development. Potential complications include:

Obstructive sleep apnea. In this potentially serious condition, you stop and start breathing frequently during sleep.

Asthma flare-ups. Chronic rhinosinusitis can trigger asthma attacks.

Sinus infections. Nasal polyps can make you more susceptible to sinus infections that recur often or become chronic.

Spread of infection to your eye socket. If an infection spreads to your eye socket, it can cause swelling or bulging of your eye, inability to move your eye, reduced vision, or even blindness that can become permanent.

Meningitis. Infection also can spread to the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord.

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